Safeguarding Tomorrow: INTERSCHUTZ 2026 Prepares the World for a New Era of Crisis Response

As climate emergencies intensify, geopolitical instability grows and the demands placed on emergency services continue to evolve, resilience has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Against this backdrop, INTERSCHUTZ 2026 is preparing for its most ambitious edition yet.

by Archie Marshall || 26 May 2026 || Representation of Deutsche Messe AG for CH/Li || trade fairs of Deutsche Messe AG worldwide

Taking place in Hanover, Germany, from 1–6 June under the theme “Safeguarding Tomorrow,” the world’s leading trade fair for firefighting, rescue services and civil protection will bring together 1,750 exhibitors from 55 countries in what is set to become the largest INTERSCHUTZ in the event’s history.

Covering more than 118,000 square metres across nine halls and extensive outdoor areas, INTERSCHUTZ 2026 is expected to surpass every previous edition, reinforcing its growing role as a global platform for emergency response, public safety and crisis resilience. The scale of the event reflects a rapidly changing landscape where emergency services increasingly face challenges that extend far beyond traditional operational boundaries.

One of the most notable additions for 2026 will be the German Red Cross (DRK) field hospital installation in Hall 23. Spanning approximately 3,000 square metres, the mobile facility will provide visitors with an immersive insight into how critical medical infrastructure operates under crisis conditions and in disaster regions around the world.

“The face of INTERSCHUTZ has changed significantly in recent years,” said Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, pictured below. “What began as a pure firefighting trade fair has long since evolved into a world-leading event focused on protecting people in a wide range of crisis situations.”

That transformation mirrors broader global developments. Emergency response today encompasses far more than firefighting and rescue services alone, expanding into civil protection, technological innovation, along with increasing collaboration between governments and operational agencies. As a result, INTERSCHUTZ has evolved into a meeting point where policy and technology increasingly converge.

Technology and digital transformation will also take centre stage throughout the event. Artificial intelligence, robotics and fully connected emergency systems are rapidly moving from theoretical concepts into practical deployment. Industry leaders and research specialists will demonstrate how intelligent technologies can improve operational efficiency whilst accelerating decision-making and strengthening emergency response capabilities, also addressing the practical limitations that remain.

Climate change and sustainability are likewise expected to be major themes throughout INTERSCHUTZ 2026. As wildfires and extreme weather events become increasingly common, discussions surrounding disaster preparedness and resilience are becoming more urgent. Sustainability, both environmental and economic, is now viewed not only as a long-term objective but as an essential requirement for future emergency response systems.

The event is expected to attract a significant international presence, with more than 40 delegations from politics, industry and professional organisations already confirming attendance. Representatives from Australia, the United States, Singapore, China, France, Sweden, Denmark and many other regions will further reinforce INTERSCHUTZ's position as a truly global gathering for emergency response and civil protection professionals.

Additional highlights including the High-Angle Rescue Pavilion, HOLMATRO Rescue Challenge, FireFit European Championships and S-GARD SAFETYTOUR will provide visitors with practical demonstrations of emergency response capabilities and real-world operational scenarios.

As global challenges continue to evolve, INTERSCHUTZ 2026 aims to show that resilience is no longer simply about equipment or emergency planning, but a strategic necessity for governments, organisations and broader communities preparing for the future.

For more information about INTERSCHUTZ and its supporting programme, visit: INTERSCHUTZ | Ticket kaufen